In tennis, the serve is the one shot entirely within a player’s control. It’s also the most misunderstood. While most players focus on blasting their first serve with as much power as possible, the second serve—often treated as an afterthought—can be the key to dominating your service games. So, how fast should your second serve be relative to your first? Let’s break it down.
First Serve vs. Second Serve: Finding the Right Balance
At the professional level, first serves are weapons designed to win points outright. Big power, precise placement, and limited spin all combine to put immediate pressure on the opponent. However, when the first serve misses, the second serve takes on a very different role: it must be reliable while still holding enough bite to keep opponents from attacking.
The key question is: how much speed do you need to sacrifice for safety, and can you occasionally surprise your opponent with a faster second serve?
1. First Serve Speeds: What the Best Do
Take the example of the 2024 US Open semi-finalists. The best players in the world hit their first serves, on average, at around 90% of their fastest possible speed. This gives them a combination of pace and control.
For example:
- If your hardest serve is 120 mph, your average first serve should be around 108 mph (90%).
Why? Because hitting at 90% allows for better consistency while maintaining enough power to win free points or force weak returns.
Takeaway for You:
Amateur players often try to hit their first serve at 100% of their power. This leads to lower percentages, more double faults, and frustration. Aim to deliver your first serve at about 90% of your hardest speed to find a balance between power and accuracy.
2. Second Serve Speeds: The Sweet Spot
Professional players hit their second serves, on average, at around 75% of their first serve speed. For example, if their first serve averages 120 mph, their second serve sits closer to 90 mph. This ratio ensures reliability but still keeps the opponent guessing.
The problem? Many amateur players miss this target. Some slow their second serves down far too much out of fear, while others hit their second serves too hard and make costly errors.
A guide for you:
- If your first serve averages 100 mph, your second serve should be around 75 mph.
- This 3/4 ratio allows you to hit the ball with enough pace to keep your opponent off-balance, while spin (kick or slice) ensures the serve stays safe and consistent.
3. Mixing It Up: Surprise Second Serves
There’s a lesson to be learned from professionals like Nick Kyrgios, who occasionally hit their second serves as fast as their first serves. Why? Unpredictability.
When opponents start anticipating a slower, spin-heavy second serve, throwing in a faster second serve can disrupt their rhythm and force errors. For example, if your opponent is stepping in aggressively to attack your second serve, a faster flat or kick serve can catch them off guard.
Takeaway for You:
- Use this strategy sparingly—perhaps one or two times per match when the scoreboard isn’t putting you under pressure.
- A well-timed fast second serve keeps your opponent guessing and adds a new layer of confidence to your game.
Practical Benchmarks for Your Serve
To simplify, here’s what you should aim for:
- First Serve: Average speed = 90% of your hardest serve.
- Second Serve: Average speed = 75% of your first serve speed.
- Surprise Second Serve: Occasionally mix in a second serve at first-serve speed to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
Why Serve Speeds Matter
At every level of the game, serving is about control, pressure, and unpredictability. Hitting a big first serve is great, but without a reliable and strategic second serve, opponents will feel confident stepping in to attack.
By striking the right balance between power and placement, you can:
- Win more free points with your first serve.
- Neutralize aggressive returners with a consistent, well-paced second serve.
- Keep opponents guessing with occasional faster second serves.
Final Thoughts: Serve Like the Pros
The next time you step on court, think about your serve speeds. Professionals have perfected the art of balancing power and control, and you can too. Keep these benchmarks in mind:
- First serve: Controlled power (90%).
- Second serve: Reliable pace (75%).
- Surprise factor: Occasionally go big with your second serve.
Mastering this balance will give you confidence in your service games, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and give you a clear edge in matches.